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He Said, She Said: PSL, Bae, and Fall Dates

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at JCU chapter.

How do you feel about Pumpkin Spice Lattes?

He Said: Ah, Fall. Green leaves change to reds, purples, and yellows as the weather gets cooler. Of course, this beautiful season is always accompanied by the unique smell of pumpkin spice hanging in the air. Recently, this delicious drink has been a staple of the fall season. Unfortunately, that also means it’s time for people to blow the cobwebs off their signature pumpkin spice jokes. Sipping on your pumpkin spice latte in public? Better brace yourself for the never-funny, “ZOMIGOSH basic white girl!” joke, usually followed by a sarcastic, “there’s not even real pumpkin in there!” Hey, my “hip” uncle called—he wants his jokes back. The horse is dead. We get it. Give it a rest. Let’s all agree to move on. So ladies, throw on your best pair of jeans, some leg warmers, your favorite uggs, and your boyfriend’s baggy hoodie, and kick back on the quad with your cup of pumpkiny goodness. But if you are ever tempted to make a pumpkin spice joke, remind yourself that, just like planking and whoopin’ it Gangnam style, those lame jokes should stay in 2012 where they belong.

She Said: Well, honestly PSL was previously not my forte. For those of you who aren’t great at acronyms and don’t hang out at Starbucks, a PSL is a pumpkin spiced latte.  I had never had the desire to drink anything pumpkin flavored before. Pumpkin was strictly left for pie on thanksgiving, and only with the perfect whipped cream to pie ratio. (That ratio is about 2:1) I decided to step out of my comfort zone though and order one in research for this question. At first sip I was not impressed. I did not understand the hype.  I continued to drink though and every drink I took got larger until I had gulped the entire thing. I got an immediate sugar high and crashed only hours later. My formal opinion on PSL’s is now that I wouldn’t pay for one myself but I would definitely drink another if it were bought for me.

If you’re thinking about bringing your significant other home for fall break but they haven’t met your parents yet..?

He Said: There is no better time for the introduction of Bae to the ‘rents than fall break. First, let’s discuss our other options: Parent’s Weekend is overly formal, and Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks are spent primarily with family (which means he isn’t just meeting mom and dad, he’s also meeting auntie and papa and grammy as well. I’m sweating just thinking about it!) Fall break is perfect, because it’s only three days–just enough time for him to make a great impression without overstaying his welcome. The weather is also perfect this time of year, which means there is plenty of fun, family friendly, informal dates you can bring the parents and siblings along on (apple-picking anyone?!). Besides, if your love muffin is feeling like sucking up and showing his industriousness, there are plenty of leaves that need raking. If there ever was a time to introduce Boo Boo to your parents, fall break is it.

She Said: I would evaluate where you are in your relationship and then if it’s the right time just go for it. If you just started dating and the idea of a weekend away from each other sounds torturous you might just have to survive off of constant Snapchat’s for a few days. If things are serious though and you want your relationship to progress fall break is a great opportunity for your significant other to meet your parents. It is only a long weekend so they can’t scare them too much. You also wouldn’t expect your extended family to be around. Although we as college students celebrate fall break it is not an actual holiday.  This means fall break should be a time to let off some pressure and relax with the people you love.

Best fall date ideas?

He Said:

  1. Haunted House: Could you ask for anything better? There is physical contact, it’s cheap, and there is plenty of excitement. Best of all, there is a heaping dose of fear-bonding thrown in for good measure. Great for a second or third date, especially if you are the type that loves to feel that their partner will protect them. However, if you are going to go, make sure you can handle it. If you are someone like me, who huddles in a corner crying for Mommy at the first scary clown laugh, maybe sit this one out and take a ride on the kiddie tractor instead. Local Haunted Houses: Mansfield Reformatory, 7 Floors of Hell, Fear Experience

  1. Pumpkin Carving: Excellent first date choice. There is plenty of time for talking and getting to know each other, while also being able to show your fun side. After an hour or so of carving and bonding, why not relax with a jack-o-lantern lit dinner, to admire each other’s handiwork? For extra fun, save the pumpkin seeds and bake them! Here’s a simple and cheap recipe: put the seeds in a bowl of melted butter, place as a single layer on a baking sheet, then salt them. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes. And Voila! Enjoy your tasty treat and newfound love.

She Said: As the leaves change colors the heart seems to grow fonder of that new cutie from chem or your long time love. It is the perfect time to pumpkin spice things up. My favorite date ideas for fall are to get some warm apple cider and take a long walk hand in hand, carve or paint pumpkins, dress up for a Halloween, or attend a haunted house. Although apple cider and walking seems extremely simple it is an amazing opportunity to talk and to listen. You can find a nice park and watch the leaves fall as you get to know each other better. Carving or painting pumpkins is one of my favorite date ideas because you can bring out your inner child. I would not want to date someone I couldn’t be silly and have fun with. You could also choose to dress up for Halloween. You could have a blast shopping for costumes together. A great place to look is at a thrift store. Once you have perfected your costumes you could attend a party together or just pass out candy. My last fall date idea is a haunted house or scary movie. These are great for the adventurous type. They also give you an excuse to hold your date tight, you wouldn’t want them being too scared.